Section LXXIII - Sons of Dhritarashtra plan to bring Pandavas back for dice game
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
After learning that the Pandavas had left Hastinapura with all their wealth and jewels, Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni approached King Dhritarashtra to express their displeasure. They proposed a plan to use the wealth of the Pandavas to make alliances, gather a vast army, and defeat them in a future conflict. Dhritarashtra, swayed by his love for his own sons, agreed to the plan and ordered the Pandavas to return for another round of gambling, setting the stage for their eventual exile.
Despite the objections of wise counsel, including Drona, Bhishma, and Vidura, Dhritarashtra insisted on inviting the Pandavas back for another game of dice. The plan put forth by Duryodhana and his allies aimed to trap the Pandavas into exile once more, under the guise of a friendly game. This decision disregarded the potential for peace and the consequences of further conflict, setting the stage for future turmoil within the Bharata family.
Duryodhana's plan to use deceit and manipulation in another game of dice against the Pandavas highlighted his willingness to go to any lengths to undermine his cousins. The brothers recognized the hostility and intent of their cousins, yet remained steadfast in their resolve to face the challenges ahead. The refusal of the wise counsel to support the proposed plan showed their concern for the well-being of both families and the kingdom as a whole, urging for peace instead of further strife.
The sons of Dhritarashtra's relentless pursuit of power and conquest at the expense of the Pandavas' well-being demonstrated their lack of morality and ethical consideration. The impending conflict and exile would test the resolve and unity of both families, ultimately leading to a tragic series of events fueled by greed and ambition. The stage was set for a dramatic confrontation that would have far-reaching consequences for all involved, shaping the future of the Bharata lineage.
Through manipulation, deceit, and a disregard for peace and wisdom, Duryodhana and his allies sowed the seeds of discord that would ultimately lead to the great Kurukshetra war. The refusal to heed wise counsel, the pursuit of power at all costs, and the brewing animosity between the cousins set the stage for a tragic conflict that would change the course of history for the Bharata family forever. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a series of events that would test the righteousness and valor of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas in the face of adversity.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LXXIII:
What was Dussasana's reaction upon learning about the Pandavas leaving Hastinapura?
Dussasana expressed grief and anger, blaming their father for giving away their wealth to the Pandavas. He then allied with Duryodhana and Karna to devise a plan against the Pandavas.
What was Duryodhana's strategy to counteract the Pandavas?
Duryodhana proposed using the wealth won from the Pandavas to make alliances with other kings, engage in a dice game again, and send the Pandavas to exile.
Did all the wise friends and relatives support Dhritarashtra's decision to summon the Pandavas for a dice game?
No, many wise friends and relatives, including Drona, Somadatta, Vidura, and Bhishma, opposed the idea and advised for peace instead. Only Dhritarashtra was adamant on bringing back the Pandavas for another dice game.
Daily life: Sons of Dhritarashtra plan to bring Pandavas back for dice game:
The story vividly illustrates the dangers of allowing greed and jealousy to dictate one's actions, as seen through Duryodhana's dissatisfaction even after acquiring the Pandavas' wealth. He couldn't accept his victory; instead, his envy led him to plot further against the Pandavas, resulting in more conflict. This teaches the importance of contentment and the perils of letting negative emotions control our decisions. Duryodhana’s inability to appreciate what he had and his continuous pursuit for more, driven by jealousy and spite, set a destructive path not only for himself but for all involved.
Furthermore, Dhritarashtra's partiality towards his sons, despite knowing it might lead to unfair outcomes, underscores the pitfalls of bias, especially in leadership or decision-making roles. Favoring one party without considering the consequences of such actions can lead to unjust decisions that provoke unrest and disharmony. This narrative encourages us to strive for fairness and equity, to listen to wise counsel, and to avoid making choices based purely on personal bias or attachment.
In daily life, this story can remind us to be content with what we have, to avoid being guided by envy or greed, and to make decisions that are fair and considerate of others. It cautions against the blind pursuit of personal desires at the expense of others, highlighting the importance of empathy and ethical conduct. Through practicing contentment, fairness, and thoughtful decision-making, we can foster more harmonious relationships and a more peaceful community.